Patio Color Schemes: How to Pick the Perfect Palette

This is a good place to begin building your color palette. We suggest a balanced approach that makes your space stylish yet easy to update.

The versatility of beige, taupe, or grey patio furniture shades is unmatched. These colors have a timeless appeal, and calm, inviting energy that fits a range of outdoor settings.

• Best for: Conversation areas, reading nooks, and any space where you want a relaxing atmosphere.
• Pair with: Vibrant accents and decor. Think bold black planters bursting with purple petunias, or patterned throw pillows in red or teal.

Clean and classic, white outdoor furniture can brighten any space. White reflects light better than any other color, which is why it’s preferred in small space designs to make them appear larger.

• Best for: Cozy balconies and patios, beach houses, and similar spaces where an open, airy feel is desired.
• Pair with: Oceanic blue and green cushions and pillows work well with white chaise lounges for a serene, seaside vibe, or try a playful look with white Adirondack chairs and colorful cushions.

Woodsy brown, warm clay, or rich green patio furniture complements your home’s natural surroundings and anchors a space, making the look feel balanced and complete.

• Best for: Garden pathways, rustic cabin porches, or Southwest or Mediterranean-style courtyards — any space where Mother Nature is the star.
• Pair with: These calm colors work well with organic materials like unpainted wood or stone, and the added texture further enhances the look.

Sunny yellows or bright teal patio furniture instantly grabs your attention and livens up a space. These shades are fun and energetic. They can also dominate a space if overused, so be mindful with your decorating choices.

• Best for: Casual settings like poolside patios, outdoor bars, and similar areas with playful atmospheres.
• Pair with: Vibrant hues pop against neutral backdrops. Colorful outdoor furniture in citrusy shades of lime, lemon, and tangerine will stand out on concrete or flagstone.

Bronze, silver, and chrome add visual interest and a touch of sophistication to a space. Their light-reflective properties add depth and contrast to focal points or accents.

• Best for: Modern urban spaces, Boho designs, and farmhouse-inspired aesthetics.
• Pair with: Gold or copper complements greenery and contrasts with black. The visual appeal of a gold-hued accent table is enhanced when styled with black seating.

Clean, simple, and open, shades of grey and white brighten a space and make it look larger. For more contrast, use darker greys like charcoal as accent colors for outdoor furniture and trim.

Using a single hue will let you layer in drama and depth. Mix pieces in one shade with varied undertones to keep your monochromatic palette from becoming monotone. Sandy tan lounge chairs styled atop a cool greige outdoor rug is a good example.

Red, yellow, and blue naturally complement one another. To keep the look stylish, pick one bright color, use another sparingly, and add subdued versions of the third. Think blue-hued Adirondacks surrounded by red accents and hints of yellow.

If your exterior siding is white, create contrast with a warm cherry stain on the window trim and extend the look to your patio with a wooden or brown-hued lounge set. We also love the trend of building an architectural feature wall with reclaimed wood — it's a sustainable and stylish backdrop that can highlight the hues of white furniture.

This bold trio is a popular color combination, especially in outdoor dining areas. Outfit your open-air kitchen or bar with black cabinetry and appliances, a grey marble countertop, and red stools for energetic pops of color.

Pay homage to the Southwest's sprawling desert landscapes with an earthy color scheme consisting of dusty rose, ochre, and taupe with a verdant accent shade. Textured decor like terra-cotta vases and woven jute rugs evoke tranquil vibes, and succulents, cacti, and other plants offer up hints of vibrant green.

Make your patio warm and welcoming with shades of sunny yellow and bright white. Dot the space with pots of cheerful white daisies, yellow rocking chairs, and a honey-hued rug underneath. Incorporate contrasting black accents by way of light fixtures, cushions, and door hardware to accentuate the lighter shades.

For those who love the water, try a chill color palette that emulates it. A white planter bench set with tall decorative grasses paired with oceanic fabric prints and seashell decor will bring the feeling of the shore right to your door.

If you have beige stonework and siding, complement the materials with a palette of warm browns and greens. Terra-cotta planters filled with herbs and ferns, a sage outdoor rug, and copper light fixtures are lovely accompaniments that will bring out the hues of your home.

Create a striking aesthetic with rich hues inspired by gemstones. These shades are lively and vivid, so small winks of color can have a big impact. Turquoise throw pillows, sapphire-blue planters, and metal wall art with an emerald-green finish are easy and budget-friendly ways to try out these tones. 

When selecting your shades, think about how you can leverage them with various materials and textiles, such as outdoor rugs and throw pillows, patio furniture frames, flower boxes and planters, and other decor.